Every Disney Princess has a unique way of empowering individuals to dream of brighter futures for themselves and those around them. While there have been some problematic messages and stereotypes in the past, Disney has made significant efforts to improve Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their cultures to shine more vibrantly.

Disney Princesses showcase a diverse range of personalities, which influences how they navigate challenges and support others. Each princess serves as an inspiration to fans of all ages, making it challenging to pinpoint the absolute best among them. Yet, we've managed to compile our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official list of 13 characters. We apologize for omitting three magical princesses, as creating this list was no easy task!

Here is IGN's selection of the 10 best Disney Princesses.

Best Disney Princesses

11 Images10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

Image: DisneyFor most of Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora lives in a secluded forest cottage with the Three Good Fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. This curse threatens her life on her 16th birthday, but thanks to Merryweather's blessing, she falls into a deep sleep instead of dying. Aurora's grace and beauty are legendary, yet her vivid imagination and dreams of a future shared with her woodland friends make her truly special. However, her story's reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has sparked recent debates among critics.

9. Moana

Image: DisneyAs the daughter of Motunui's chief, Moana never fantasized about princes or needed rescuing. Chosen by the ocean as an infant to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, Moana embarks on this quest as a teenager to save her island from the blight caused by Te Kā's darkness. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, she discovers that Te Kā is Te Fiti's corrupted form and restores her, saving the ocean and her home. Moana's independence, bravery, and determination exemplify empowerment, inspiring audiences in both the original film and the upcoming Moana 2. Her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho, emphasizes Moana's role as a universal role model. We eagerly anticipate Catherine Laga'aia's portrayal in the live-action Moana film.

8. Cinderella

Image: DisneyAfter her father's death, Cinderella endures abuse from her stepmother and stepsisters, yet remains humble and kind. When forbidden from attending the royal ball, her Fairy Godmother transforms her into a vision in a stunning ballgown and glass slippers. Despite initial critiques of passivity, Cinderella displays agency by enlisting her animal friends to aid her escape. Her iconic style and the symbolic glass slipper that secures her place with the Prince have cemented her as a fashion icon. Notably, Disney altered her dress from silver to baby blue for costumes to avoid child bride connotations.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Image: DisneyAriel epitomizes teenage rebellion, yearning for the human world over her underwater life. She collects human artifacts and rescues Prince Eric, falling in love and making a deal with Ursula to gain legs. Despite the risks, Ariel's journey culminates in defeating Ursula with Eric's help and marrying her love. Ariel's story continues in The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, where she becomes a mother to Melody, making her the first Disney Princess to have a child.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Image: DisneySet in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana embodies hard work and determination. She juggles two jobs to realize her dream of opening a restaurant, a promise to her late father. Her life takes a magical turn when she kisses Prince Naveen and turns into a frog. Together, they navigate a journey that teaches Naveen responsibility. Tiana's refusal of Dr. Facilier's shortcut to her dreams underscores her integrity. As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana stands as a feminist business icon.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Image: DisneyBelle, an intellectual and independent young woman, yearns for more than her provincial life. She trades her freedom to free her father from the Beast, gradually falling in love with him despite his appearance. Belle's love breaks the curse, showcasing her as a modern princess who values knowledge over traditional pursuits. Her rejection of Gaston's advances highlights her feminist stance, a vision crafted by screenwriter Linda Woolverton.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Image: DisneyRaised in isolation by Mother Gothel, Rapunzel yearns for freedom and adventure. Her chance comes with Flynn Rider, leading to a deal to see the floating lanterns on her birthday. Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity, using her magical hair for more than just healing, have made her a beloved princess. Her journey to self-discovery and independence contradicts Gothel's manipulative words.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Image: DisneyJasmine challenges traditional marriage norms, seeking a partner based on character rather than status. Her defiance against arranged marriages and her assertion of autonomy resonate strongly. After Aladdin frees the Genie, the Sultan changes the law, allowing Jasmine to marry for love. As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine brings diversity and empowerment to Disney's lineup.

2. Merida (Brave)

Image: DisneyMerida refuses the traditional path of marriage, choosing her own destiny over societal expectations. Her conflict with her mother, Queen Elinor, over these choices leads to a transformative journey involving a witch's spell and a bear transformation. Merida's archery skills and leadership in altering clan traditions highlight her as a pioneering single Disney Princess from Pixar, challenging the damsel-in-distress trope.

1. Mulan

Image: DisneyMulan, the first Chinese Disney Princess, defies gender norms by joining the Imperial Chinese Army in her father's place. Her strategic mind and bravery lead to the defeat of the Hun army, and even after her true identity is revealed, she saves the Emperor. Mulan's story, not rooted in royalty but in honor and family, earned her the princess title from Disney. She embodies persistence and the breaking of patriarchal constraints.